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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kauai County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Kauai County, HI. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by property type: $5.90-$13.90 per $1,000 assessed value, rates vary by classification
1st Due
Aug 20
2nd Due
Feb 20
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Kauai County property taxes are the primary funding source for essential local services including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, parks and recreation, and county operations. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value and classification, with rates varying by property type such as residential, agricultural, industrial, and conservation land. The effective tax rate in Kauai County is generally competitive with other Hawaiian counties, though actual rates depend on your specific location within the county.

Property tax rates can vary significantly based on special taxing districts and property classification within Kauai County. The county uses a classification system where different property types are taxed at different rates per $1,000 of assessed value. All property taxes are collected by the Kauai County Real Property Division, and the tax year runs from July 1st through June 30th of the following year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Tax Rates (per $1,000 of assessed value)

Property ClassificationRateDescription
ResidentialData not specifiedStandard single-family homes and condominiums
Owner-Occupied Mixed-Use$5.05Properties with both residential and commercial use where owner lives on-site
Agricultural$6.75Properties used primarily for farming or ranching
Conservation$6.75Environmentally protected or preserved lands
Industrial$8.10Manufacturing, processing, and industrial facilities

Note: Rates may vary by location within Kauai County due to special assessment districts. Contact the Real Property Division for specific rates applicable to your property's location and classification.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kauai County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Aug 20
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Feb 20
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Kauai County are triggered when there are significant changes to a property during the tax year, such as new construction, major improvements, or changes in ownership that affect the property's assessed value. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed based on the property changes.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated from the date the assessable event occurred through the end of the current fiscal year (June 30th). For example, if you complete a major home addition in January, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering January through June based on the increased assessed value from the improvement. The supplemental tax uses the same tax rate as your regular property tax but applies only to the increased assessed value portion.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Residential Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homeowner Exemption Applied: $220,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $80,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $404 (assuming $5.05 rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $34

Example 2: $600,000 Residential Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homeowner Exemption Applied: $220,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $380,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $1,919 (assuming $5.05 rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $160

Example 3: $1,000,000 Residential Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homeowner Exemption Applied: $220,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $780,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $3,939 (assuming $5.05 rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $328

Note: All exemptions require application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Real Property Division for current residential tax rates and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Kauai County require property tax escrow accounts where your monthly mortgage payment includes a portion for property taxes. The lender collects these funds throughout the year and pays your property tax bills when they become due. Lenders typically pay the first installment by August 20th and the second installment by February 20th to avoid late penalties.

Your lender will receive tax bills directly from Kauai County and should provide you with copies. It's important to verify that escrow payments are made on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for property tax payments even when using escrow. You can check payment status online through the Kauai County Real Property Division website or contact them directly. If you pay taxes independently without escrow, remember that you can pay the full annual amount by August 20th or split into two installments due August 20th and February 20th.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: First installment is due August 20, 2025, and second installment is due February 20, 2026. You can pay the full amount by the first due date to avoid multiple payments.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax credit is the homeowner exemption of $220,000, which reduces your assessed value. This exemption requires application and is not automatically applied. Kauai County now offers an online home exemption application for convenience.

Q: How does the homeowner exemption work? A: The homeowner exemption reduces your property's assessed value by $220,000 for tax calculation purposes. This is an exemption (reducing assessed value) rather than a credit (reducing tax owed). You must apply for this exemption - it is not automatic.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: The deadline for assessment appeals is December 31st of each tax year. Contact the Real Property Division for appeal procedures and required documentation.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. Contact the Real Property Division for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a due date.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Kauai County offers online payment options through their Real Property Division website. You can also pay by mail, phone, or in person.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Contact the Real Property Division for information about Kauai County's assessment schedule and methodology.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, properties in certain areas may be subject to additional assessments for special districts or improvements. Your specific location within Kauai County determines if additional district taxes apply to your property.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Tax Rates - Kauai County, HIkauai.gov
02
County
Budget Notices, Minutes & Ordinances - Kauai County, HIkauai.gov
03
County
Table 9.49-- REAL PROPERTY TAX RATES, BY COUNTYfiles.hawaii.gov
04
County
Important Dates - Kauai County, HIkauai.gov
05
Tax Doc
Real Property Tax Relief and Exemptions deadline Sept. 30kauai.gov
06
Tax Doc
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 first installment Real Property Tax ...kauai.gov
07
County
Exemption/Tax Relief Information - Kauai County, HIkauai.gov
08
Real Property Division launches Online Home Exemption ...kauai.gov
09
County
Assessment Section - Kauai County, HIkauai.gov
10
County
Application design document number 6 Kauai County ...govinfo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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